"It is said that whoever gains the Central Plains gains the world. The Fertile Central Plains are at their peak in grain, fodder, and population alike. Yet looking across the world, from ancient times to the present, beginning with the Zhou Dynasty, through Qin Han, and even the former Sui, all emerged from Guanzhong to establish their rule over the realm."
"By that reasoning, it should be whoever gains Guanzhong gains the world."
As Li Shimin spoke, he turned to look at Qing Nü beside him.
"Heavenly Maiden, what do you think?"
Hearing Li Shimin's words, Qing Nü laughed.
"Do you remember the Mencius you read as a child? There is a fine saying within it: the people are precious, while the ruler is light. Vast as the world may be, gaining any particular place does not mean gaining the world. There is only one thing that matters—whoever gains the people's hearts gains the world."
As she spoke, Qing Nü's gaze fell upon Li Shimin.
"There is another good saying: water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it."
The moment she said this, Li Shimin froze. He stared intently into Qing Nü's eyes.
Qing Nü's eyes were brown green, their radiance unchanged for thousands of years.
Looking into those brown green eyes, Li Shimin found the person before him extraordinarily familiar. After quite a while, he finally gathered his courage and asked, "Heavenly Maiden, you came from Maoshan. While you were there, did you ever encounter any Immortal, or visit Mount Tai?"
When Li Shimin asked this question, Qing Nü wore an expression of understanding. Rather, she was somewhat surprised that Li Shimin had only thought to ask it now.
This lad's reaction was far too slow.
"An Immortal? I have seen one."
At Qing Nü's words,